Nimali Mara – Wajefya Expeditions

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It is located in a quieter district of the park, a little further from the Mara River than several other camps, meaning you are likely to see fewer vehicles around the lodge. The wildebeest migration typically passes through the area roughly between July and October. Then from November to June you can discover the fantastic resident wildlife of the northern Serengeti without the crowds.

NIMALI MARA

Nimali Mara is nestled amidst the rocky outcrops of the northern Serengeti, roughly a 45-minute drive from the Mara River. The lodge oozes style and sophistication and feels very luxurious. The designer has opted for quite a modern, almost industrial aesthetic, with charcoal greys, moss greens, exposed metal beams and copper furnishings and fittings. In the wrong hands this could feel quite cold and angular, however the look is softened with plenty of cushions and throws, billowing fabrics and natural materials such as reed matting and lightshades fashioned from porcupine quills. There is a high level of attention to detail and we found Nimali Mara a refreshing contrast to many of the more traditional safari lodges.

The eight very large tented rooms are set below the main area, and these are well spaced so that each feels private. They are a part canvas, part stone wall construction. A dark wood-panelled partition splits the room, with shelves and storage behind and a double king-sized bed, or twin beds, at the front. A comfy leather sofa sits to one side and a writing desk to the other, and monochrome wildlife photography adorns the walls. There is also a small minibar-fridge. Sliding glass doors open onto a verandah with a seating area and a suspended daybed – perfect for whiling away a lazy afternoon.

The en-suite bathroom is equally impressive, with a free-standing copper bathtub, open-plan shower and twin copper wash basins. Bathrobes, plenty of fluffy white towels and complimentary toiletries are also provided.

In addition to the eight standard tented rooms there are two family rooms. These are similar in style to the standard rooms, but are formed from two interconnected bedrooms joined by a central lounge area. They also have a private plunge pool and are often used as honeymoon suites when not booked by families.

The lounge and dining areas are built into the rocks, each raised up to give panoramic views over the Serengeti plains. They feel very light and breezy, with a rock wall to the back, floor to ceiling glass panels to the side and an open balcony at the front. The area is furnished with sofas and leather chairs, low coffee tables and a bar, while the dining area is set with individual tables. We really liked the little touches such as slate tableware and rose gold cutlery which brought the look together.

On top of one of the huge boulders in camp there’s a small swimming pool surrounded by beanbags and loungers, with a little waterfall at one end.

Activities focus on game drives in the northern Serengeti in one of Nimali Mara’s open-sided vehicles. When the wildebeest migration is in full force you’re likely to head towards the Mara River in search of river crossings. Many guests will choose to spend the best part of the day watching and waiting in the hope of witnessing this spectacle. However, safaris at Nimali Mara are about more than the migration. The resident wildlife in the northern Serengeti is excellent and big cats – not to mention the full panoply of browsers, grazers and other predators – can be seen here throughout the year.

Back at the lodge, at extra cost, you can indulge in a spa treatment in the comfort of your room, or enjoy a lavish sundowner experience on the boulders above the lodge complete with your own firepit (also extra cost). This is a wonderful way to end the day: the views are beautiful and the sweet and savory canapés and other treats are some of the best we’ve eaten in Tanzania.